The NFL didn't start recognizing quarterback sacks as an official stat until 1982; however, the Cowboys have their own records, dating back before the 1982 season. According to the Cowboys' stats, Toomay is unofficially credited for leading the team in sacks in 1973 with a total of 10.5.

Toomay was considered a character and an intellectual during his time with the team. He was a member of the "Zero Club" which prided itself on performing behind the scenes. Their first rule, "Thou Shalt Not Seek Publicity", kept their members (Toomay, Blaine Nye and Larry Cole) out of the limelight.

In 1974 although he remained a starter, he shared playing time with Ed "Too Tall" Jones, who was the NFL's number 1 overall draft choice. That year he was used mainly on running downs.

In 1975 the Cowboys traded him to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a second round draft choice in 1977, that was eventually used in a deal package to draft Tony Dorsett. During his five seasons with the team, he was a productive and durable player (never missing a game) and was a part of two Super Bowls, including winning Super Bowl VI.

Toomay was the team's defensive MVP in 1975, but was involved in different controversial official calls, including being called for elbowing head lineman Jerry Bergman, which contributed to a loss against the Miami Dolphins (31-21), that ended the team's playoff chances.[1] At the end of the year he was left unprotected for the 1976 NFL Expansion Draft, through the years, there has been speculation that the publishing of his insider view in the book "The Crunch", was the main reason behind this decision.

The Oakland Raiders credited him with a team leading 17 sacks in 1977.[5] In 1978 he was credited with 5 sacks after seeing little playing time. Often used in obvious passing situations, he was known by fans as "Third down Pat". He was released the next year, after having problems with his knee.